Depression Statistics By Location Posted: 07-17-04 14:59pm
I know there are statistics that say a
certain percentage of the population
suffers from depression. As an example,
that maybe 15% of all women suffer from
depression (don't know how accurate that
is, just using it as an example). What I
am wondering is, might there be any
statistics to compare how many women in
pennsylvania (percentage) suffer from
major depression as opposed to how many
women in florida suffer from depression?
Since I have read that a sunny climate has
a positive effect on mood, then it would
seem logical that major depression should
be a lot lower in florida than in
pennsyvlania. The reason I ask is that
my daughter suffers from major depression
and hasn't had much luck with medications,
etc. Unfortunately, we live in dreary
pittsburgh and she starts getting even
worse when the winter rolls around. She
doesn't feel like she can go thru another
winter here in pgh. She wants to move to
the tampa area because of the beaches,
warm climate, etc. But other than me has
no other family members and is afraid to
relocate on her own (she is 29). She is
my only child, and I can't enjoy my life
seeing her suffer, so I am considering
uprooting myself (i've lived here all my
life) and relocating down there. I am
excited but apprehensive at the same time
since it means looking for new jobs (with
the payscale being lower down there) and
learning how to get around, etc.
I would hate to think that we would go
thru all the stress and trouble of moving,
and away from friends, although we do know
some people down there, only to find that
the warmer climate doesn't help --
although I cannot see how it would not
boost her mood. I do know there is a big
cultural difference in that area as
opposed to the pgh. Area, and i'm sure
there would be considerable adjusting to
that. I am just hoping that the positive
aspect of the weather, etc. Would not be
offset by other factors. If it helped
her depression, it would be worth the
other adjustments that might need to be
made. By the way, I would not just be
making the move just for my daughter's
benefit. I am 59 and as I am getting
older I don't care for the cold and
treacherous walking conditions in the
winter weather, etc.
Anyway, I thought it might be interesting
to view statistics on the percentage of
people who suffer from major depression in
florida as compared to pennsylvania to see
if, in fact, the warm climate does truly
play a big part and show up in the
statistics. Can anyone offer any
insight? Thanks for any help.
|
sandyallen
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 02 Feb 2004 Posts: 4580
Posted: 07-17-04 16:27pm
People always think that the grass is
always greener on the other side of the
fence. Sometimes it is and sometimes it
is not. Have you thought about taking a
mini vacation to florida and checking it
out. Has your daughter ever thought
about some natural herbs for her
depression, there is a gentleman on the
forums here, his name is Dr.
Venugopal(something like that) he might be
able to help your daughter out I do know
that he does have a post on the back pain
forum you might p.M. Him. I hope this
helps!
Good luck!
Sincerely,
sandy
|
dfleming
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Pittsburgh
Posted: 07-17-04 17:49pm
Thanks, sandy, for the info on the doctor.
We have tried many nutritional things
over the years without success but it is
always worth checking out new
possibilities. I've had three vacations
to the tampa/st. Pete area and like it,
at least from a vacationer's point of
view. I guess you almost have to spend
more time in a place to know for sure.
My daughter also had a vacation to florida
and likes the beaches, sun, and warm
weather. Thanks, again, for your
suggestions.
|
Jackpot777
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 11
Posted: 07-19-04 09:48am
Hey dfleming, im not sure how your
finances are or whatnot, but I had an
idea. If you have a house that you could
rent out for 4-6 months, you guys could
get a temporary place down in florida for
the winter. If thats possible, I think
that would give you guys enough time to
see if you really like it there. That
cuts the risk way down, than just totally
up and moving to begin with and not
likeing it down the road. Just and idea,
j
|
dfleming
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Pittsburgh
Posted: 07-19-04 18:45pm
Hi jackpot777,
unfortunately we don't have a home here to
rent out; but I suppose if things wouldn't
work out for us in florida, we'd just pack
up and try elsewhere. However, I doubt
very much that my daughter would ever
consider heading back to a northern state
due to the cold winters, but might
possibly consider maybe the carolinas.
But thanks for the suggestion.
